Get your glow on: 5 brightening vitamin C products

There’s a real buzz about vitamin C right now - and for good reason. This humble skincare ingredient – which can brighten dull skin, protect from pollution and diminish acne scars - shouldn’t be underestimated. And, according to Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic Dr Ifeoma Eijkeme, the benefits don’t stop there. 

“Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which neutralises the free radicals leading to dull, dry skin and premature ageing. It also boosts collagen production, increases the effectiveness of sunscreen and helps reduce hyper pigmentation.” 

So how easy is it to incorporate vitamin C into our skincare routines? According to Dr Eijkeme, pretty simple… just introduce a serum with 10% potency.  

“If you experience acne, Rosacea or eczema when using vitamin C,” she warns, “take a break until your skin calms down.”
 

Scarlet Spy tries out a range of vitamin C products
 

Image Skincare VITAL C hydrating anti-ageing serum 
(50ml, £83)

VITAL C comes in a white airtight pump action cylinder; the botanical formula includes a multivitamin C complex to brighten and tighten skin, fight fatigue and combat dullness. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and plumps; green tea and grape seed extracts act as powerful antioxidants. 

We love: the smell - it’s just like you’ve peeled a fat juicy orange; my skin felt immediately smooth and refreshed. It smoothes on and is quickly absorbed – leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. As for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it’s too soon to tell, but - as the creators are skincare experts - I’m expecting results.  

Skin Regimen 15.0 Vitamin C Booster
(21.2ml, £78)

Skin Regimen 15.0 Vitamin C Booster comes in a pump-action black bottle with a simple white descriptive label; there’s also a sachet of vitamin C powder to pour in. The 15% Vitamin C concentrate contains skin regimen’s Longevity Complex™ said to improve the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, dullness and dilated pores. 

We love: it’s eco credentials: with 92.8% natural-origin ingredients, it’s also vegan- friendly and free of silicones. There’s no oily residue either. 

Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops
(30ml, £56)

Natura Bissé’s C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops come in a sleek orange glass dropper bottle allowing easy application. For a golden tan, add 4-6 drops to light skin and 6-8 drops to dark skin. Fair haired folk should protect their brows with extra moisturiser. Vitamin E provides extra hydration.

We love: not only did the C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops deliver a sun-kissed, even glow, there were no stains or residue. The fast-absorbing formula gradually developed to leave my skin looking I’d spent a day at the beach – with no unnecessary sun exposure. The gentle citrus scent is delicious, too.

Delarom Natural Eye & Lip Contour Care 
(15 ml, £42.00)

Delarom Eye and Lip Contour Care comes in a small clear plastic and white pump action container bottle. Ingredients include Aloe Vera to nourish, Ivy extract to decongest and vitamin A & C to protect. I applied the cream morning and night, as part of my usual skincare routine. 

We love: the texture – the creamy formula glided on leaving my tired eyes less puffy and soothed. The fragrance-free cream feels cool and smooth when applied to the lips and around the eye contour. 

Wildlife Botanicals 
(75cl, £15)

Vitamin C has also been added to guilt-free bubbles from Wild Life Botanicals. Crafted in Cornwall, this sophisticated fizz – packed with vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12 - treats you to a natural pick-me-up as you sip. It’s ultra-low in alcohol too (just 0.5 percent) and contains 60% fewer calories than Champagne or Prosecco.

We love: its floral notes of rose, lemon balm and rosemary, said to improve mood and digestion – as any good wine should. It also contains mood-lifting aphrodisiac Damiana for that post wine glow. And, at just 35 calories a glass – you can’t go wrong. It’s my new mid-week tipple.

 

Always store vitamin C products away from direct sunlight